Michael Carrick has done what Ruben Amorim never did as Man Utd manager | Football | Sport

Ruben Amorim demanded complete control during his Manchester United tenure, which resulted in him overlooking simple gestures, such as attending academy matches to demonstrate backing for the club’s emerging talents. Whilst Amorim briefly observed part of an academy fixture at Carrington on one occasion, he failed to properly attend a single youth game throughout his entire 14-month spell in charge.

Michael Carrick was named interim manager last week and attended an Under-21 fixture just seven days later, taking his place alongside Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate and Travis Binnion. Jason Wilcox, director of football, and academy chief Stephen Torpey were also in attendance, whilst Darren Fletcher joined them after resuming his Under-18 duties following his temporary caretaker role.

Whilst it may appear insignificant that Carrick and his coaching team made the effort to attend, their presence serves as a powerful statement of backing for the youth set-up and demonstrates that opportunities exist for progression.

Carrick intended to address the Under-21s following their clash with Sporting Lisbon, another thoughtful gesture from United’s interim boss.

Several academy prospects had grown frustrated with Amorim’s public statements, but Carrick has moved quickly to offer reassurance during his opening week in the post.

Fletcher spoke with passion whilst defending the academy during a recent press conference, and Carrick is anticipated to continue that mission, despite currently only having guarantees of the position until the season’s end.

Having made 464 appearances for United, Carrick recognises that the club’s greatest teams throughout the years have featured academy graduates.

Academy supporters argued that such understanding was absent with Amorim. Amorim crossed the line when he suggested Harry Amass was “struggling” during his Championship loan spell, highlighted Chido Obi’s absence from every U21 starting lineup, and mentioned Toby Collyer without prompting.

The composed Carrick is certain not to generate such controversy. Carrick witnessed a thoroughly captivating first half at Leigh Sports Village, where James Scanlon netted twice to give United a 2-1 lead over Sporting.

Woodgate was seen gesturing towards the team sheet during the break and may well have been remarking ‘the goalscorer appears to be a talented player’.

Scanlon has already earned several senior caps for Gibraltar, whom he represents through his maternal heritage, and has evidently progressed beyond academy level, which was further demonstrated when he completed his treble in the second period with a composed finish inside the area.

Torpey is now overseeing loan arrangements following Evans’ decision to resign from his position as head of loans and pathways, and should secure a temporary move for Scanlon before the January window closes. Tyler Fredricson donned the captain’s armband against Sporting, just days after joining Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt in the directors’ box to watch the Manchester derby.

Among the players who started against Sporting, Fredricson stands out as another clear contender for a loan move in the second half of the season. The youngster has been handed merely two first-team minutes since being substituted against Grimsby Town in August and would gain from competing in a more challenging environment.

Carrick witnessed the Fletcher brothers in action for the first time. Jack Fletcher featured off the bench in consecutive Premier League matches against Aston Villa, Newcastle and Wolves in December, and he would have viewed the Sporting clash as a trial for additional opportunities now that Carrick has assumed control of the team.

Tyler Fletcher has been named in three Premier League matchday squads without getting the opportunity to make his debut. He will observe what his twin brother has accomplished and draw inspiration to follow suit.

It remains to be seen how extensively Carrick will utilise academy talent, considering he has an essentially full-strength squad available and only 16 matches left in the top flight this season.

Only the most promising young players from the academy will be capable of securing playing time, and Shea Lacey appears favourite to remain within Carrick’s senior setup. He was absent against Sporting despite training with the first-team at Carrington, and he currently has momentum following two encouraging substitute appearances.

United ultimately secured a 3-2 triumph over Sporting, though they must wait for the remaining group fixtures to discover if they advance to the knockout stages of the Premier League International Cup. Carrick was at least treated to a thrilling five-goal encounter and a hat-trick from the gifted Scanlon at Leigh.